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Flights to Chennai

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Once known as Madras, Chennai is now the 4th largest Indian city and filled with sights and attractions for the tourist. With a history that spans more than 300 years, there are both cultural and modern activities for anyone visiting Chennai.

Flights to Chennai

Chennai International Airport (airport code: MAA) is one of the busiest in India, and located 4 miles (7km) south of the city. There are buses, taxis, shuttles and auto-rickshaws to help you get around in Chennai. Flights to Chennai are available on many airlines from the UK, usually with one connection. British Midland and Etihad Airways both connect in Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Airlines stops in Dubai. You will travel through Bahrain if you get a flight to Chennai with Gulf Air, or Lufthansa goes through Frankfurt.

Chennai Tourist Attractions

Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas

There are only 3 churches in the world over the tomb of an Apostle, and in Chennai there is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas was buried here, making this a particularly important religious landmark. It's a large Gothic style church, and is located near the coast.

Wallajah Mosque

Known locally as just the Big Mosque, the Wallajah Mosque was built in the mid 1700s and is still an impressive construction. Built completely of grey granite stone, the mosque has 2 tall minarets and is built in a medieval architectural style. You can find the mosque in the Triplicane district of Chennai.

Arinjar Anna Zoological Park

Sometimes also called the Vandalur Zoo, this park is about 19 miles (30km) south of Chennai. There are more than 80 enclosures that showcase 170 different kinds of animals including tigers, macaques, giraffes, chimps and many reptiles too. The enclosures are spread out in a very natural setting so be prepared for some walking when you visit. The zoo is open from 9am until 8pm, but closed on Tuesdays. The Guindy National Park is attached to the zoo, and is an additional place to go walking if you want to see more natural and local wildlife.

Birla Planetarium

The large dome is the perfect backdrop for the nightly sky shows to learn about astronomy in a dramatic manner. Many of the shows are presented in English, and they are open 7 days a week. Attached to the planetarium is the Periyar Science and Technology Centre if you want a little more entertainment and learning. Don't confuse this with the Birla Planetarium located in Kolkata.

Pondy Bazaar

On Thyagaraya Road, the Pondy Bazaar is the place to go for shopping in Chennai. It's a mix of shops, restaurants and open-air vendors that are selling anything and everything.

MGM Dizzee World

Dizzee World is a large amusement park filled with thrill rides and other carnival attractions. There are rides for the kids as well as for adults, including a wave pool and bumper cars. The Tornado Coaster, Karnakasi Ranger and the Arrow Loop Roller Coaster all offer speed and thrills for visitors. The park is south of the city on the East Coast Road, which offers a scenic drive along the Bay of Bengal.

When Should You Visit Chennai?

Summers are very hot in Chennai, so you should try to plan your visit for the cooler months in order to be more comfortable. May and June will reach 40C (104F), and the later summer months are still around 35C (95F). For the best weather, try to arrive between November and January. Then it's only 29C (84F), though November can be rainy. December and January are certainly drier.